A method of starting an engine (10) is disclosed in which two or more starter motors (M1,M2) are used to start the engine (10) in an alternating sequence so as to equalize wear and reduce the wear of each starter motor (M1,M2) by a factor equal to the number of starter motors (M1,M2) provided. The starter motors (M1,M2) are preferably positioned so as to minimize overlap between wear patterns produced by the starter motors (M1,M2) on a cooperating ring gear (8) thereby extending the life of the ring gear.